OK. This is not consistent with the theme I promised yesterday -- changes on the beach -- but it is about change for the better.
As a result of my failure to ensure my truck was locked in San Miguel, I ended up losing several items. Most I had already replaced -- or decided to do without. Who needs a thermal sleeping bag in Mexico, any way?
But there were two items that needed attention. The antenna for my Escape and the top portion of the bracket that holds the truck’s battery in place.
The antenna was easy. It was in stock when I stopped at the dealer last Friday. I handed over 370 pesos and the parts guy installed it with a handy little wrench (accessories included).
Not that it much mattered. I use the radio primarily as a CD player. But I now have the power to not listen to the equivalent of Mexican country-western music. We do not get a wide variety of stations here. Searches for Mostly Mozart go unrequited.
The battery bracket was far more important. When I bought my new battery in San Miguel, the shop sold me a bracket that the mechanic described as “good enough.”
You can see what “good enough” means. It was far too long. And instead of being straight, it was bent in two levels. And obviously not for my flat top battery.
As a result, it would rock back and forth loosening the screws. If I had not checked it now and then, it could have loosened enough to pull away from one of the battery cables. Hardly disastrous. But it was annoying.
So, this morning I stopped at the Ford dealer to retrieve my prize for 200 pesos. When I got home, I pulled out my wrenches and did a bit of switching. I now have a battery that will stay in place. Until the next time I forget to lock the truck.
And why am I telling you this? Probably because I have heard a long line of sad tales about bringing vehicles south of the border. The usual anecdotes center around parts never being available and costing the equivalent of a week stay at the Mayo Clinic.
That may have been true once. Since NAFTA came into effect and after Mexico joined WTO, automobile parts flow across the Mexican borders like American retirees. And once the duties were reduced, the costs for parts came down dramatically.
As would be expected in a society where the middle class makes up 40 to 60% of the population -- and where that middle class purchases the same middle class vehicles that are familiar north of the border.
I am glad I no longer drive my red BMW convertible. I would probably have a different tale to tell about parts.
But I would undoubtedly have some far more interesting stories to tell about life.
And why am I telling you this? Probably because I have heard a long line of sad tales about bringing vehicles south of the border. The usual anecdotes center around parts never being available and costing the equivalent of a week stay at the Mayo Clinic.
That may have been true once. Since NAFTA came into effect and after Mexico joined WTO, automobile parts flow across the Mexican borders like American retirees. And once the duties were reduced, the costs for parts came down dramatically.
As would be expected in a society where the middle class makes up 40 to 60% of the population -- and where that middle class purchases the same middle class vehicles that are familiar north of the border.
I am glad I no longer drive my red BMW convertible. I would probably have a different tale to tell about parts.
But I would undoubtedly have some far more interesting stories to tell about life.
12 comments:
Au contra re! Car parts brought in from the USA are not covered under NAFTA and have 100% duty. Ask me how I know this.............Yup, I experience it 10 years ago when the rats ate the wiring and part of the car's computer and I had to get one from the States because the computers in Mexico are not compatible with cars made in other countries........... The Nissan dealership forwarned me so I had someone bring one down from the USA in a manner that was not discovered hence not having to pay 100% duty! Those things for your car were obviously either made in Mexico or are second hand............good going my friend.
They could have been manufactured here. After all, there are Ford plants in Mexico. I was positive that Mexico's admission to WTO allowed car parts to be imported almost duty free. Such as the Japanese cars made here in Mexico. But it would not be the first time I have been wrong.
I did a little more research. The duty on car parts was reduced to zero in 2003 under NAFTA.
I know several hombres here that could have made a better bracket to hold your battery than ever could come from Ford and for less than half of what you paid. You need to start relying on some of the real Mexican advantage - they are ingenious when it comes to making parts - the fellow that installed the bogus holder obviously was out of the cue.
The original mechanic was "making do." He gave me what he had. I have a local mechanic who could have devised something (the fellow who has replaced my windows), but it worked out well in the end.
In this case a machinist (maquinista) is a better fit than a mechanic for a job such as this.
Like the fellow who made the grappling hook for cleaning out the lagoon.
That reminds me, it is about time to start dragging for bodies again.
I continually wonder about whether its merely stupid or completely idiotic to someday take my 2001 Mercedes SLK into Mexico. It's a terrific little car, but the brand practically screams either "kidnap me!" or "ask me about mordidas.
Neither tickles my fancy.
And I'd imagine that parts (of which it has so far required few) would be even more insanely expensive SOB.
I guess we'll see.
Any thoughts from your contributors?
Saludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we do like to drive with the top down, precipitation permitting, of course.
As for me, I say leave it at home. It will decrease your joy level. Like you, I always imagine when I encounter a Mercedes driver down here, our next introduction will be in a headline. Irrational, yes? But who ever said logic ruled how we live our lives?
I'm leaning that way. I believe firmly in owning my own stuff and not letting it own me. That's why I like to buy stuff used. In addition to the savings, let someone else suffer the angst of the first dent, scratch, or imperfect spot. Once it's been broken in a bit, you can enjoy it without all the angst.
The car also has a pathetic amount of storage space, and virtually none if the top is down, so it's not all that practical for going to Mexico anyway.
Saludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we're lucky to drive 5,000 miles a year, if even that.
For all of the issues I have had with it (most of them caused by me), the Escape has been the perfect vehicle here on the beach.
Post a Comment